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Rye IPA – American: Green Flash Road Warrior

There hasn’t been an extra Wednesday post for a few weeks, so I thought I’d start it right with this Imperial Rye IPA from Green Flash in San Diego. Green Flash’s Imperial IPA’s are some of my favourites, and Rye Beers are one of my favourite styles so I was looking forward to trying this one for quite some time.

HOP ON AND ENJOY THE RYE OF YOUR LIFE

Our Imperial Rye IPA is brewed in the name of our Road Warriors—the sales team who tirelessly hit the streets, traveling from town to town and pub to pub sharing the Green Flash experience. Road Warrior™ charges full flavor forward. Columbus and Mosaic hops, rich crystal and spicy rye malts pave the way for Mosaic and Amarillo dry-hopping to boldly shine through in the finish. Raise a glass to those who never settle!

A catchy motto, one of the quirky things I’ve grown to love when it comes to Green Flash. Also a little story – nice they dedicate it to their hardworking sales people. I also like how Green Flash are always so open about their recipe (it makes my job a little easier too) and always seem to have a positive take on everything they make. Some brewers are doom and gloom and focus on taking down that big brewer, but Green Flash always focus on what they do best – making good beers.

The recipe for this one speaks for itself after looking at the description, so I’m going to be quick! On the Malt bill, we’ve got some Crystal, Rye, 2-Row Barley and a little bit of Pale Malt. On the Hop side, during the boil there’s Columbus and Mosaic. After this, during Fermentation it is dry-hopped with Mosaic and Amarillo. The yeast is most probably the Standard American Ale yeast.

When you pour this beer it’s a Ruby/Brown colour with a thick White head. The head retention is great for this style and leaves some great rings of sticky lacing around the glass. This really is an inviting looking brew! On the nose there’s a lot of Rye and Toffee with hints of Pine. I found myself drinking this one as soon as I smelt it and was met with a wave of Pine and Spicy Rye, followed by some Citrus, a lot of Bubblegum from the abundance of Mosaic hops with a nice complex Caramel finish. I’d say the carbonation on this one is Medium for the style, as some IPAs tend to be quite fizzy at the moment. It finishes Dry and Bitter. For fans of Big IPA’s, I really do recommend this one!